Officially named The Arc, and a key element of the new community facilities being developed by Homes England within Brookleigh, the new outdoor sports centre has been delivered by Mid Sussex District Council and their development partner Alliance Leisure, procured via the UK Leisure Framework (managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd). The wider project team also included The Sports Consultancy, AtkinsRealis, Hadron Consulting, S&C Slatters, White Horse Contracting & TG Escapes.
The net-zero timber-frame changing pavilion, designed and built by modular construction specialist TG Escapes, features four Sport England compliant changing rooms, officials' changing facilities, kit stores, accessible WC’s and a reception area.
The Arc brings a range of first-class sporting facilities, delivered by S&C Slatters, to the heart of Burgess Hill, while also serving communities and clubs across Mid Sussex. The Arc is being managed by Places Leisure, who also manage the nearby Triangle. The facilities include:
The newly developed centre represents an investment in health, wellbeing and community connection in Burgess Hill. The design of the facility has been refined over three years through extensive community engagement, consultation and data analysis, and has been purpose-built to complement the district's existing sports infrastructure.
Leader of the Council, Councillor Robert Eggleston, said "The Arc is a fantastic addition to Burgess Hill and a testament to what can be achieved through strong partnerships and a commitment to community development.
“The new sporting facility has been designed by the local community for the local community, ensuring it becomes a valued and integral part of local life. We’re excited to see it become a hub for sport, health, wellbeing and connection.”
Located on an 8.6-hectare site, The Arc is part of the Brookleigh development, providing 3,500 homes (30% affordable), public spaces, infrastructure and community facilities in Mid Sussex.
The outdoor sporting facility has been funded in part through developer contributions (known as Section 106), ensuring that the new community centre is directly supported by local development, building meaningful connections with the community and a sense of shared ownership from the very beginning.
Designed with a focus on sustainability, the carefully planned site has been built to the highest environmental standards and developed to complement the local environment.
The changing facilities, designed and built with sustainability at heart by TG Escapes, utilises modern construction methods, a timber frame system, eco-friendly materials, and cutting-edge technology to create a warm, inviting space that seamlessly integrates with the natural surroundings.
Graham Hyslop, Director of Projects (Large Sites) at Homes England, said, “As the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, we’re pleased to be working in partnership with Mid Sussex District Council on the Brookleigh development, a sustainable new community in Mid Sussex.
“The Arc plays a vital role in this, as a new state-of-the-art sports centre to be enjoyed by the local community.”
The Arc will be operated by leading social enterprise Places Leisure, who also manage three other leisure facilities in the region.
To find out more, visit https://www.placesleisure.org/centres/the-arc/
TG Escapes’ innovative bespoke architect-designed system provides timber frame buildings to suit most locations and uses, in a variety of finishes, including timber for a natural effect. Offsite construction minimises disruption, cost and risk. To find out more call 0800 917 7726, email info@tgescapes.co.uk or visit https://tgescapes.co.uk/modular-sports-buildings to view more examples of their sport and leisure buildings.
